Category: Local

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Four new National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI) have commenced operations in the Pematang Pauh parliamentary constituency, increasing Penang’s total NADI count to 42. Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed the new centres are located in Penanti (two), Seberang Jaya, and Pematang Pasir. Three began operations in May 2024, while the Kubang Semang centre… Continue reading 42 Nadi centres now operating in Penang with new additions

SHAH ALAM: The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) has confirmed that the gas pipe involved in the Putra Heights explosion in April complied with all technical specifications. However, laboratory tests revealed that the pipe’s lower section lacked proper soil support, leading to the catastrophic failure. DOSH Petroleum Safety Division director Husdin Che Amat… Continue reading Putra Heights gas pipe met specs but soil failure caused explosion, says DOSH

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) is reinforcing its asset forfeiture and disposal framework to ensure integrity and public trust in handling proceeds from illicit activities. MACC Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Division director Norhaizam Muhammad emphasised the need for a structured cooperation mechanism between enforcement agencies and the private sector. “We aim to build an efficient… Continue reading MACC enhances asset disposal via public-private partnership in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: A former investment banker was sentenced to two years in jail and fined RM1 million by the Sessions Court today for securities fraud offences involving RM201,000. Judge Norma Ismail delivered the sentence to Ruwan Amaresh Shaun Ponniah, 36, who previously worked as an associate director of Debt Capital Markets at a local investment… Continue reading Ex-investment banker jailed 2 years, fined RM1m for securities fraud

SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government will form a special committee to develop long-term strategies and propose new regulations to prevent incidents like the Putra Heights gas pipeline fire from recurring. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the committee will include representatives from state and federal agencies, Petronas, and technical experts. Their task is to… Continue reading Selangor forms committee to prevent future gas pipeline fires after Putra Heights incident

PUTRAJAYA: The Government-linked Enterprises Activation and Reform Programme (GEAR-uP) has deployed RM11 billion as of June 30, 2025, marking significant progress since its launch in August 2024. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) initiative aims to drive socioeconomic reforms and industrial transformation in Malaysia. Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan revealed that the RM11… Continue reading RM11 billion deployed under GEAR-uP to boost high-growth sectors in Malaysia

PUTRAJAYA: The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) has announced that the two per cent tax deduction for deceased agents, dealers, or distributors (EPP) will no longer apply starting August 1. The decision aligns with the definition of an ‘individual’ under Section 2 of the Income Tax Act 1967, which refers only to living persons. LHDN clarified… Continue reading LHDN ends 2% tax deduction for deceased EPP agents from Aug 1

BELURAN: Sabah has recorded a high adoption rate of MyKad for the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) programme, with 94 per cent of recipients using it to purchase essentials at registered outlets. Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying revealed that 506,000 individuals receive SARA aid, with RM500 million approved annually. Currently, nearly 4,000 grocery stores and… Continue reading High MyKad usage for SARA programme in Sabah, says deputy minister

KLANG: The Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, has consented to the rebranding of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Bintulu Campus in Sarawak as UPM Sarawak (UPMS). Sultan Sharafuddin said the rebranding was a strategic move by UPM to expand its role in conjunction with the university’s 50th anniversary in Sarawak. UPM was formerly known… Continue reading UPM Bintulu Campus renamed UPM Sarawak with Sultan of Selangor’s consent

KOTA KINABALU: The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) will adopt three key strategies to ensure the smooth execution of Op Kesan 4.0, following the Sales and Service Tax (SST) rate adjustments taking effect tomorrow. Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali outlined the approaches, which include collecting price and service charge data to compare… Continue reading KPDN uses three approaches for smooth Op Kesan 4.0 SST review

KOTA KINABALU: Micro and small traders in the food and beverage sector will retain access to subsidised LPG cylinders as long as they maintain affordable prices for consumers, assured the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister, clarified that vendors providing… Continue reading Subsidised LPG cylinders for F&B micro traders continue with rakyat prices

PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, the current director of Bukit Aman’s Criminal Investigation Department (JSJ), has been appointed as the new Director-General of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) under the Ministry of Home Affairs. The appointment takes effect tomorrow and will run for two years, ending on June 30, 2027.… Continue reading Mohd Shuhaily appointed AKPS director effective tomorrow

KUALA TERENGGANU: Police in Terengganu have launched 25 investigation papers linked to a fraudulent lucky draw scheme, with total losses estimated at RM782,616. The scam, active since January, misused a local bank’s name to deceive victims. Terengganu police chief Datuk Mohd Khairi Khairuddin revealed that victims were lured via social media with links to download… Continue reading Terengganu police probe 25 cases in lucky draw scam, losses hit RM782,616

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will embark on an official visit to Italy, France, and Brazil from July 1 to 7, aiming to enhance Malaysia’s economic and diplomatic relations. The trip includes his participation in the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro. Senior press secretary Tunku Nashrul Abaidah stated that these visits… Continue reading PM Anwar leads trade mission to Italy, France, Brazil from July 1-7

KUALA TERENGGANU: The six-year-old girl critically injured in the Pulau Perhentian boat tragedy has stabilised, though doctors remain cautious due to potential breathing complications. State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris confirmed that T. Sakthivel is recovering at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). “Alhamdulillah, the doctor… Continue reading Young girl stable after Perhentian boat tragedy, 3 dead

SHAH ALAM: The April 1 gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights was not caused by sabotage or negligence, Selangor Police Chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan confirmed today. A joint investigation by police and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Dosh) ruled out foul play after interviewing 212 individuals — including victims, Petronas reps, council… Continue reading What blew the pipeline? Not people, say police

PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will begin a three-nation official visit tomorrow, travelling via a chartered Malaysia Airlines flight to Rome, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro until July 7. The decision aims to optimise time, reduce costs, and streamline delegation coordination. Tunku Nashrul Tunku Abaidah, the Prime Minister’s senior press secretary, explained that… Continue reading PM Anwar uses chartered flight for three-nation visit to save time and costs

ALOR SETAR: A retired teacher in Kedah fell victim to an investment scam, losing RM838,000 after being lured into the fraudulent ‘P166 HIFA’ scheme promoted via WhatsApp. The 72-year-old victim was promised high returns but instead lost his savings in the elaborate con. Kedah Commercial Crime Investigation Department (JSJK) chief, Superintendent Loi Yew Lik, confirmed… Continue reading Retired teacher loses RM838k to P166 HIFA investment scam in Kedah

ALOR GAJAH: A group of six women who lost their way while hiking near Tanjung Tuan Lighthouse were successfully rescued by firefighters today. The operation involved multiple emergency response teams working together to ensure their safe return. Senior Fire Officer (PBK) operations commander I Zaidi Kadiron confirmed that the Masjid Tanah Fire and Rescue Station… Continue reading Six women rescued after getting lost in Tanjung Tuan forest hike

PETALING JAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has signed off on the papers, officially clearing the KLIA Aerotrain to resume operations tomorrow at 10am. “This is the train that ferries passengers between the main terminal and the satellite building, making travel at KLIA Terminal 1 faster and more convenient. “Big thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly… Continue reading KLIA’s Aerotrain is back! First departure at 10am tomorrow

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to meet top executives from 36 Italian companies, including global giants such as Leonardo SpA, STMicroelectronics, and Ferrero, during his working visit to Rome. The discussions will take place at the Malaysia-Italy Economic Partnership Roundtable on July 2, as confirmed by Malaysian Ambassador to Italy,… Continue reading PM Anwar to meet Italian industry leaders in Rome for economic talks

PUTRAJAYA: The public sector urgently requires visionary digital leaders to steer digital transformation, ensuring efficient, responsive, and tech-driven services, said Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar. Speaking at the Public Sector Chief Digital Officer Conference 2025 (CDO CONVEX 2025), Shamsul Azri stressed that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), powered by… Continue reading Visionary digital leaders key to Malaysia’s public sector transformation

KUALA LANGAT: KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) has uncovered five illegal waste dumping sites in Kuala Langat, each spanning two to four hectares. The areas affected include Johan Setia, Sijangkang, Bukit Changgang, Telok Panglima Garang, and Tanjung Dua Belas. Datuk Ramli Mohd Tahir, Managing Director of KDEBWM, stated that the district has become a hotspot for… Continue reading Five illegal waste dumping sites found in Kuala Langat by KDEBWM

BUTTERWORTH: The wife of S. Arumugam, who perished in Saturday’s boat capsize near Pulau Perhentian, alleges the operator ignored repeated pleas for life jackets despite stormy conditions. S. Sanggetha, 39, who also lost her three-year-old daughter, described the harrowing ordeal as preventable. The group of four families—seven adults and eight children—were returning from Pulau Perhentian… Continue reading Boat capsize victim claims life jackets denied before Pulau Perhentian tragedy

KOTA BHARU: Five detainees who escaped from the Pasir Mas Sessions Court lockup last week pleaded guilty today to charges of fleeing lawful custody. The accused, Mohd Safiuddin Hanif Mohd, 38, Muhamad Norshamzee Mohd Noresan Shargawi, 32, Mohamad Akmal Mohd Zahari, 31, Mohd Haris Zakaria, 37, and Muhammad Alif Izham Hussim, 23, entered their pleas… Continue reading Five detainees plead guilty to escaping Pasir Mas court lockup

KUALA LANGAT: KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) has handed over 28 logistics assets to the Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) to improve domestic waste collection services across 23 zones in the district. The handover coincides with the renewal of KDEBWM’s contract with MPKL, now extended until July 2032. The newly delivered assets include 25 units of… Continue reading KDEBWM boosts MPKL waste management with 28 new logistics assets

SHAH ALAM: No elements of sabotage, negligence and criminal intent were found by the police in the course of their investigation into the Putra Heights fire incident, said Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan. According to Hussein, who spoke at a press conference held at the state government office, investigators determined that the incident… Continue reading Putra Heights Fire: No criminal intent found says police

KUCHING: The Sarawak General Operations Force (GOF) confiscated goods worth RM5,497,813 in four separate operations targeting illegal logging, liquor, diesel, and drugs between June 23 and 28. The operations, named Op Taring Alpha, Op Taring Bravo, Op Taring Awas, and Op Libas, were conducted in Kuching, Sibu, Miri, and Lundu. SAC Dr Che Ghazali Che… Continue reading Sarawak GOF seizes RM5.5 million in illegal logging, liquor, diesel, drugs

PETALING JAYA: A fire broke out at a cotton factory in Bandar Country Homes, Rawang, this morning, causing extensive damage but no injuries. The Selangor Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 10.14am regarding the blaze at Carefree Cotton Industrial Sdn Bhd, located at Batu 22, Jalan Kundang. Assistant Director Ahmad Mukhlis Mukhtar… Continue reading Fire destroys cotton factory in Rawang, no injuries reported

BUTTERWORTH: Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil today visited the PICCA@Arena Butterworth Convention Centre, the chosen venue for Malaysia Day 2025, to assess early preparations for the national event. The celebration, set for Sept 16, will be officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Also attending will be Penang’s Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Ramli Ngah… Continue reading Fahmi checks Malaysia Day 2025 venue in Butterworth for smooth event

SUNGAI PETANI: The family of V. Vennpani, the 10-year-old girl who drowned in the Pulau Perhentian boat tragedy, is struggling to cope with the loss of their long-awaited only child. Her grandmother, T. Panjawarnam, 68, said Vennpani had been excited about the holiday with her parents and three other relatives before the fatal incident. “I… Continue reading Family mourns loss of long-awaited child in Perhentian boat tragedy

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today underscored Malaysia’s dedication to deepening ties with Germany during a farewell meeting with outgoing German Ambassador Dr Peter Blomeyer. The discussion at his Putrajaya office centered on enhancing collaboration in trade, education, and cultural exchanges. Anwar emphasized the importance of sustainable bilateral progress, noting that Malaysia… Continue reading PM Anwar strengthens Malaysia-Germany ties in farewell envoy meeting

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysia Fair 2025 made its debut in Osaka as part of Malaysia’s participation in World Expo 2025, serving as a key platform to promote the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign in Japan. Held from June 27 to 29 at Lalaport ExpoCity, the event showcased the country’s cultural heritage, culinary diversity, and traditions… Continue reading Malaysia Fair 2025 Osaka boosts VM2026 tourism campaign in Japan

SIBU: Sarawak must accelerate efforts to produce skilled solar energy workers to support its renewable energy expansion, said Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi, the state’s Utilities and Telecommunications Minister. The move aligns with Sarawak’s goal to increase power generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts (MW) by 2030 and 15,000 MW by 2035, with renewables contributing at least… Continue reading Sarawak boosts solar workforce to meet 2030 renewable energy goals

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s labour market has achieved its strongest performance since the pandemic, with unemployment falling to 3.2 per cent in 2024, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM). The latest data shows key improvements in employment, youth joblessness, and workforce participation, with stability expected to continue into 2025. The unemployment rate dipped below the… Continue reading Malaysia’s unemployment drops to 3.2% in 2024, labour market strongest since pandemic

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu Islamic Religious and Malay Customs Council (JHEAT) has issued a stern warning against superstitious practices at the gravesite of Nurly Sahirah Azman, one of the victims of the recent fatal bus crash in Gerik, Perak. JHEAT Enforcement Division Chief Assistant Commissioner Aizi Saidi stated that any acts violating Islamic law, such… Continue reading JHEAT warns against superstitious acts at Nurly Sahirah’s grave

MELAKA: The Melaka government has announced an increase in monthly food assistance for asnaf (those eligible for zakat) and Muslim converts, raising the amount from RM250 to RM300 starting tomorrow. The decision aims to address the rising cost of essential goods and ensure better support for recipients. State Education, Higher Education and Religious Affairs Committee… Continue reading Melaka increases food aid for asnaf, Muslim converts to RM300 monthly

GUIYANG: The Guizhou Provincial Government has confirmed that the Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 will take place from July 5 to 6 in Guiyang, China. The event, approved by the State Council, will centre on “Harmonious Coexistence between Humans and Nature – Discussing Global Development and Green Transformation.” Organised by the People’s Government of Guizhou… Continue reading Eco Forum Global Guiyang 2025 to drive green transformation

PETALING JAYA: Italian high-performance car icon Ferrari SpA, renowned for its Formula One success and legendary prancing horse emblem, has lost a court battle over a trademark case against a local energy drink company concerning a twin horse logo. The Kuala Lumpur High Court dismissed Ferrari’s legal action against Sunrise-Mark Sdn Bhd, ruling that the… Continue reading Ferrari loses trademark case against local energy drink firm

KUANTAN: A former administrative assistant was sentenced to three months in jail and fined RM20,000 by the Sessions Court today for criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM41,652.42 in death benefits meant for seven Felda settlers’ families. Nurul Syafiha Awang Za, 36, pleaded guilty to the charge before Judge Sazlina Safie, who ordered her to… Continue reading Former Felda staff jailed, fined RM20k for misusing settlers’ death benefits

JOHOR BAHRU: From tomorrow, Singaporean vehicles entering Malaysia without a valid Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) will face an immediate RM300 compound, as full enforcement at the Malaysia-Singapore land border kicks in. The enforcement is in line with Section 66H(7) of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), which states that it is an offence for… Continue reading Full VEP enforcement at Johor border begins tomorrow, RM300 fine awaits

KUALA LUMPUR: MyEG Services Bhd, a key player in Malaysia’s e-government services, will officially rebrand as Zetrix AI Bhd starting 9 am on July 3. The company confirmed the change in a Bursa Malaysia filing, noting that its stock short name will switch from MYEG to ZETRIX. “The stock number remains unchanged,“ the filing stated.… Continue reading MyEG rebrands as Zetrix AI effective July 3 in Malaysia

KUALA TERENGGANU: The Terengganu government plans to submit a proposal to the Marine Department to revoke or suspend licences of tourist boat operators involved in accidents due to negligence. The move follows a recent tragedy at Pulau Perhentian that claimed three lives. State Tourism, Culture, Environment and Climate Change Committee chairman Datuk Razali Idris said… Continue reading Terengganu to revoke licences of negligent tourist boat operators

KUALA LUMPUR: Several Bangladeshi nationals are being held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) for suspected involvement in a militant movement linked to the Islamic State (IS). Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail stated that while some detainees remain under investigation, others have been deported. Khalid mentioned that a press… Continue reading Bangladeshi nationals detained under Sosma for militant links in Malaysia